Accessory systems and methods

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed a system comprising a decorative assembly comprising a connector, a first shoulder at a first end of the connector, and a second shoulder at a second end of the connector; an accessory assembly adapted to connect to the decorative assembly, the accessory assembly comprising a first arm and a second arm defining an opening between the arms, at least one of the first and second arms adapted to elastically deform to receive the connector of the decorative assembly.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for assembling andwearing personal accessories.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2007/0006502 discloses asystem and method for securing accessories to shoes and other articlesof clothing. A system is disclosed for attaching a decorative accessoryto a shoe, the system comprising a shaft having first and second ends; afirst shoulder secured to the first end of the shaft, the first shoulderbeing configured for insertion through an expandable hole in an upperportion of the shoe and configured to engage an inner surface of theupper portion of the shoe; a second shoulder secured to the second endof the shaft, the second shoulder being configured to engage the shoe;and a third shoulder adjacent to the second shoulder, the third shouldercomprising the decorative accessory. Another illustrative embodiment isa system for securing a decorative accessory to a shoe, the systemcomprising a shoe having an upper portion, the upper portion having aninner surface, an outer surface, and at least one stretchable hole; ashaft having first and second ends; a first shoulder secured to thefirst end of the shaft, the first shoulder being configured forinsertion through the at least one stretchable hole in the upper portionof the shoe and to engage the inner surface of the upper portion of theshoe; a second shoulder secured to the second end of the shaft, thesecond shoulder being configured to engage the shoe; and a thirdshoulder adjacent to the second shoulder, the third shoulder comprisingthe decorative accessory U.S. Patent Application Publication Number2007/0006502 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2002/0066462 discloses a hookand loop head band and associated accessories comprising: a strip ofhook type fastening material approximately one half of one inch wide bytwenty four inches long, said strip having a loop type fasteningmaterial on its reverse side, said strip capable of attaching its endsto itself at any desired circumference, and said strip capable of havingattached to it, a variety of ornaments and or hair attachments. U.S.Patent Application Publication Number 2002/0066462 is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,903 discloses a method for displaying accessoriesincluding providing a wearable body having a first side and a secondside. The method also includes coupling to the wearable body at leastone accessory using a cord adapted to be woven through a portion of thewearable body. In another embodiment, an accessory display holderincludes a wearable body and a cord adapted to be woven through at leasta portion of the wearable body. The accessory display holder alsoincludes at least one accessory adapted to be releasably coupled to thecord. U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,903 is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,611 discloses a banded clothing device, the bandmade of a tubular fabric structure having at least one pocket in thelongitudinal plane the pocket providing a means for interchangeablyreceiving ornaments or other objects. Also disclosed is the method formaking the device and manner of using the device. U.S. Pat. No.6,237,611 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,158 discloses hair barrettes, more specifically,hair barrettes with removable clasps. The removable clasps may beattached to the barrette by a variety of different structure, includingdirect attachment and attachment through an intermediate universaladapter. The universal adapter allows the clasp to remain in the hairwhile simultaneously exchanging the ornamental component of the hairbarrette. Furthermore, the universal adapter allows interchange of partssuch that any size clasp may be used with any of the receivingornamental components. U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,158 is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,585 discloses a hair ornament attachment systemincluding a hair ornament having a decorative silk flower side and aback side to which the hook portion of a Velcro fastener is adhered.Alternatively, the hair ornament decorative side may consist of a pieceof plastic formed to resemble a rare gemstone. The hair ornaments aresmall and lightweight, and the hook fastener portion may be intertwinedin a user's hair thereby attaching the ornament for adornment. Theattachment system also includes a display comprising a loop fasteningarea supported by a staff framework, to attractively store the ornamentsnot in use. Additionally, drop or dangling hair ornamentation includes afibered material (on which beads may be strung), having one or both endsmounted to a two-sided hook portion which similarly may be intertwinedinto the user's hair. U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,585 is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,371 discloses a hair clip including a low profileclip mechanism which translates linear pressure on the ends of the clipinto rotational action for opening the curved comb moldings. Springscause the clip to close when pressure on the clip ends is removed. Thebarrel of the clip may comprise sections which are fixed with respect tothe clip ends and sections which are attached to the comb moldings, andwhich are rotated by the clip mechanism. Or, the barrel may comprisealternating sections attached to each comb molding. Removable decorativeattachments attach to the fixed portions of the barrel of the clip, viamagnets, snap on grips, velcro or the like. U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,371 isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,123 discloses a headband kit having a base comprisedof an open loop of resilient material adapted to fit over the top of thehead of a wearer. A backboard extends upwardly from the top of the base,presenting a forwardly facing planar display surface. The kit includes aplurality of display panels interchangeably attachable to the displaysurface of the backboard, and each carrying a different design ordisplay. U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,123 is herein incorporated by reference inits entirety.

There are needs in the art for one or more of the following: apparatusand methods for changing design elements of accessories, which do notsuffer from certain disadvantages of the prior art apparatus andmethods; improved hair accessory devices with interchangeable designelements; devices suitable for use with a variety of design elements;and/or devices with ease of use.

These and other needs in the art will become apparent to those of skillin the art upon review of this specification, including its drawings andclaims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of invention provides a system comprising a decorativeassembly comprising a connector, a first shoulder at a first end of theconnector, and a second shoulder at a second end of the connector; anaccessory assembly adapted to connect to the decorative assembly, theaccessory assembly comprising a first arm and a second arm defining anopening between the arms, at least one of the first and second armsadapted to elastically deform to receive the connector of the decorativeassembly.

Another aspect of invention provides a system comprising a decorativeassembly comprising a connector having a first diameter, a firstshoulder at a first end of the connector having a second diameter, and asecond shoulder at a second end of the connector having a thirddiameter; a hair accessory assembly adapted to connect to the decorativeassembly, the hair accessory assembly comprising a body defining anopening having a fourth diameter adapted to elastically deform toreceive at least one of the first shoulder and the second shoulder ofthe decorative assembly.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent to thoseof skill in the art upon review of this specification, including itsdrawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show a decorative assembly being connected to anaccessory apparatus.

FIG. 2 shows a decorative assembly being connected to an accessoryapparatus.

FIG. 3 shows an accessory apparatus.

FIG. 4 shows an accessory apparatus.

FIG. 5 shows a decorative assembly being connected to an accessoryapparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, there is disclosed a system comprising a decorativeassembly comprising a connector, a first shoulder at a first end of theconnector, and a second shoulder at a second end of the connector; anaccessory assembly adapted to connect to the decorative assembly, theaccessory assembly comprising a first arm and a second arm defining anopening between the arms, at least one of the first and second armsadapted to elastically deform to receive the connector of the decorativeassembly. In some embodiments, the accessory assembly comprises a hairaccessory. In some embodiments, the accessory assembly comprises anaccessory selected from the group consisting of a barret, a clip, aheadband, a piece of jewelry, a necklace, a bracelet, a pendant, abrooch, an earring, a ring, a charm, a charm holder, a shoe, and a shoeaccessory. In some embodiments, the first shoulder comprises adecoration. In some embodiments, the second shoulder comprises adecoration. In some embodiments, the accessory assembly is adapted toreceive multiple decorative assemblies at the same time. In someembodiments, the accessory assembly is adapted to interchangeablyreceive multiple decorative assemblies at different times.

In one embodiment, there is disclosed a system comprising a decorativeassembly comprising a connector having a first diameter, a firstshoulder at a first end of the connector having a second diameter, and asecond shoulder at a second end of the connector having a thirddiameter; a hair accessory assembly adapted to connect to the decorativeassembly, the hair accessory assembly comprising a body defining anopening having a fourth diameter adapted to elastically deform toreceive at least one of the first shoulder and the second shoulder ofthe decorative assembly. In some embodiments, the fourth diameter islarger than the first diameter and smaller than the second diameter andsmaller than the third diameter. In some embodiments, the accessoryassembly comprises an accessory selected from the group consisting of abarret, a clip, and a headband. In some embodiments, the first shouldercomprises a decoration. In some embodiments, the second shouldercomprises a decoration. In some embodiments, the accessory assembly isadapted to receive multiple decorative assemblies at the same time. Insome embodiments, the accessory assembly is adapted to interchangeablyreceive multiple decorative assemblies at different times.

Referring now to FIG. 1 a, there is illustrated system 100. System 100includes connector 102 which connects shoulder portion 104 with shoulderportion 108. Shoulder portion 104 may be provided with a decorativepiece 106.

Assembly 110 is provided with a side opening 112 adapted to receive andhold connector 102.

As shown in FIG. 1 b, connector 102 may have a circular cross section.Alternatively, connector may be provided with alternative cross sectionssuch as ovals, ellipses, triangles, squares, rectangles, pentagons, orother geometric shapes.

Side opening 112 is shown as a c-shaped opening adapted to receive around connector 102. Assembly may be designed so that opening 112 has asmall elastic deformation to be further enlarged when connector isinserted or removed, then a subsequent small elastic deformation returnto its normal size after connector has been fully inserted or removed.Side opening 112 is appropriately sized to provide an interference fitbetween round connector 102 and opening 112 so that connector does notfall out of opening 112. Although opening 112 is shown with sharpcorners, it may be provided with rounded corners to prevent injury.

Suitable materials for connector 102 include metals, polymers, andcomposite materials, for example steel, aluminum, polyethylene,polypropylene, and other commercially available materials.

Connector 102 may be attached to shoulder portion 104 and shoulderportion 108 with any suitable mechanical connection such as gluing,welding, riveting, or they may be formed together in a single piece suchas in a casting or molding process.

Decorative piece 106 may be permanently or temporarily attached toshoulder portion 104. Suitable permanent attachment mechanisms includeglue, welding, riveting, or forming shoulder portion 104 and decorativepiece 106 as a single piece.

Suitable assemblies with a connector 102, shoulder portion 104, shoulderportion 108, and decorative piece 106 include commercially availabletuxedo type shirt buttons and Jibbitz™ brand decorations commerciallyavailable from Crocs, Inc.

Assembly 110 may be a hair accessory such as a barret, a clip, aheadband, or other hair accessories; a piece of jewelry such as anecklace, bracelet, pendant, brooch, earring, ring, charm or charmholder or other jewelry; a shoe or shoe accessory; or other items towhich it is desired to apply assembly 110.

A single assembly 110 may be used with multiple interchangeabledecorative pieces 106 in order to vary the decorations of the assembly110. Multiple assemblies 110 may be used with one or more decorativepieces 106 to vary the decorations of the assemblies 110.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated system 200. System 200includes connector 202 which connects shoulder portion 204 with a secondshoulder portion (not shown). Shoulder portion 204 may be provided witha decorative piece (not shown).

Assembly 210 is provided with an opening 212 adapted to receive and holdconnector 202. Assembly is made of a suitably elastic material which canbe elastically stretched to receive shoulder portion 204 and then returnto its original shape to retain connector 202 and shoulder portion 204.

Connector 202 and shoulder portion 204 may have circular or othersuitable geometric cross sections. Opening 212 may have dimensionslarger than connector 202 and smaller than shoulder portion 204.

Referring now to FIG. 3, assembly 310 with opening 312 is shown attachedto accessory 320. Accessory 320 may be a ring, a bracelet, a necklace, aheadband, a pony tail holder, or other types of accessories.

Referring now to FIG. 4, assembly 410 with opening 412 is shown attachedto accessory 420. Accessory 420 has arm 422 and arm 424 with biasingmeans 426 provided to force arms 422 and 424 together. Material 428 maybe trapped between arms 422 and 424 to secure accessory 420 to material428. Accessory 420 may be a barret, a hair clip, a paper clip, a binderclip, a clothes pin, a name tag, a safety pin, a shoelace holder, orother types of accessories. Material 428 may be hair, clothes,shoelaces, paper, or other materials.

As shown in FIG. 5, connector 502 may have a square cross section.Alternatively, connector may be provided with alternative cross sectionssuch as ovals, ellipses, triangles, squares, rectangles, pentagons, orother geometric shapes.

Side opening 512 is shown as a square shaped opening adapted to receiveconnector 502. Assembly may be designed so that opening 512 has a smallelastic deformation to be further enlarged when connector is inserted orremoved, then a subsequent small elastic deformation return to itsnormal size after connector has been fully inserted or removed. Sideopening 512 is appropriately sized to provide an interference fitbetween round connector 502 and opening 512 so that connector does notfall out of opening 512.

While the illustrative embodiments of the invention have been describedwith particularity, it will be understood that various othermodifications will be apparent to and can be readily made by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claimsappended hereto be limited to the examples and descriptions set forthherein but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all thefeatures of patentable novelty which reside in the invention, includingall features which would be treated as equivalents thereof by thoseskilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

1. A system comprising: a decorative assembly comprising a connector, afirst shoulder at a first end of the connector, and a second shoulder ata second end of the connector; an accessory assembly adapted to connectto the decorative assembly, the accessory assembly comprising a firstarm and a second arm defining an opening between the arms, at least oneof the first and second arms adapted to elastically deform to receivethe connector of the decorative assembly.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the accessory assembly comprises a hair accessory.
 3. The systemof one or more of claims 1-2, wherein the accessory assembly comprisesan accessory selected from the group consisting of a barret, a clip, aheadband, a piece of jewelry, a necklace, a bracelet, a pendant, abrooch, an earring, a ring, a charm, a charm holder, a shoe, and a shoeaccessory.
 4. The system of one or more of claims 1-3, wherein the firstshoulder comprises a decoration.
 5. The system of one or more of claims1-4, wherein the second shoulder comprises a decoration.
 6. The systemof one or more of claims 1-5, wherein the accessory assembly is adaptedto receive multiple decorative assemblies at the same time.
 7. Thesystem of one or more of claims 1-6, wherein the accessory assembly isadapted to interchangeably receive multiple decorative assemblies atdifferent times.
 8. A system comprising: a decorative assemblycomprising a connector having a first diameter, a first shoulder at afirst end of the connector having a second diameter, and a secondshoulder at a second end of the connector having a third diameter; ahair accessory assembly adapted to connect to the decorative assembly,the hair accessory assembly comprising a body defining an opening havinga fourth diameter adapted to elastically deform to receive at least oneof the first shoulder and the second shoulder of the decorativeassembly.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the fourth diameter islarger than the first diameter and smaller than the second diameter andsmaller than the third diameter.
 10. The system of one or more of claims8-9, wherein the accessory assembly comprises an accessory selected fromthe group consisting of a barret, a clip, and a headband.
 11. The systemof one or more of claims 8-10, wherein the first shoulder comprises adecoration.
 12. The system of one or more of claims 8-11, wherein thesecond shoulder comprises a decoration.
 13. The system of one or more ofclaims 8-12, wherein the accessory assembly is adapted to receivemultiple decorative assemblies at the same time.
 14. The system of oneor more of claims 8-13, wherein the accessory assembly is adapted tointerchangeably receive multiple decorative assemblies at differenttimes.